Clink on a link for more details

EQUIPMENT
The Regional Park uses or has access to the following equipment, some of if is available for hire by group leaders or individuals, please contact the Senior Instructors for details.

FACILITIES
The Centre provides changing room facilities with hot showers and lockers and a dedicated tuition room. All equipment is stored on site really for immediate use. Boat storage for canoe, kayak or sailing dinghy up to 16 feet can be arranged through the Senior Instructors.

The Loch, Castle Semple Loch is 2.5 km long and 0.5 km wide. It is a safe and sheltered environment to learn water sports, do team challenges or even sail a model boat!

The Countryside, in and around the Regional Park enables the delivery of a wide variety of land based activities such as Mountain biking, Archery and Orienteering.
The Tearoom with a great view over the loch sells hot and cold drinks, hot and cold pre packed sandwiches, pot noodles, cup-a-soups, crisps, chocolate, cakes, health bars and ice cream.

We can provide a dedicated meeting space for approximately 30 people for any pre or post outdoor activity meeting requirements, this should be arranged at time of booking.

SAFETY
Your safety and enjoyment is off the up most importance to us here at Castle Semple. The Centre is licensed by the Adventure Activity Licensing Authority AALA No. L4606/R0447.

Comprehensive safety guidelines are in place based on National Governing Body recommendations. The Royal Yachting Association inspects us annually. All our instructors are suitably qualified and are first aid trained.

All outdoor activities require a level of physical fitness, if you have any concerns about the fitness level required to participant in your selected course contact the Senior Instructor.

COURSE STANDARDS
Castle Semple Centre is a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Training Centre for sailing and powerboat safety courses. The Centre also offers British Canoe Union and Scottish Canoe Association courses in canoeing and kayaking.

All full time members of staff are qualified to at least meet National Governing Body standards for instruction, for example Scottish Mountain Bike Leaders Association (SMBLA), Grand National Archery Society (GNAS), Scottish Mountain Leader Training Board (SMLTB), and British Orienteering Federation (BOF).

INSTRUCTORS

The full time Senior Instructors are Dave Hill & Willie McLeod.
Dave’s interests include sailing – boats of all sizes, special needs provision, sea kayaking and power kiting.

Willie can often be seen in a kayak or a canoe. But equally it might be sailing, mountain biking, leading team games or ploughing through paper work or down ski slopes!

Seasonal Instructors are Neil, Ross and Andy.

Neil might be seen paragliding around Scotland, kayaking, hill walking and trying generally not to get lost in the countryside.

Ross is keen on sailing, kayaking and windsurfing – basically anything wet and wild!
Andy enjoys hill walking, kayaking, mountain biking and is also our resident Boat Hire operator.

WHAT YOU GET
Include in the cost of a standard course or group activity taster session at Castle Semple is:

• Tuition or Instruction as appropriate.
• Appropriate craft, including all safety equipment.
• Wetsuits for water sports. Please bring our own footwear and waterproofs.
• Certificates if appropriate.

What we don’t include

• Towels
• Footwear
• Change of clothes

Catering, such as arrival drinks or packed lunches can be organised by prior arrangement at an additional charge.

COST
Course costs can be found here. price list.
Please pay course fees when booking a course or as soon as possible afterwards, ideally at least 14 days in advance, however last minute bookings are welcome if places are available.

All courses are subject to alteration, cancellation or postponement due to for example inclement weather. The decision is at the discretion of the Senior Instructor.

BOOKING
To book a course please telephone 01505 842 882 Ex 20 or to enquire about a group booking please contact us including approx numbers, preferred activity or activities and dates or telephone Castle Semple Centre.

Once you have booked a course, full details of the course or group booking, what to bring and indemnity forms will be sent to you. All courses run subject to minimum numbers being achieved.

top of page